Strongest Liverpool XI To Face West Ham: Caulker And Flanagan To Start In Defence

Predicted Liverpool XI vs West Ham

After beating Stoke to progress to the finals of the Capital One Cup, Liverpool now will be looking to make progress in the FA Cup when they face West Ham United on Saturday. West Ham defeated Liverpool in both legs in the premier league and the Hammers again will be looking to give Liverpool a tough time. Liverpool are slowly reviving from their injury crisis and also are in the path to find the solution for their goal scoring problems. Set pieces are Liverpool’s weak point and West Ham knows exactly how to take advantage of it. It is expected that Klopp will bench some of the first team starters. But who all will play? Here is Liverpool’s predicted line-up to face West Ham:-

Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet

Mignolet has received a lot of stick from the fans this season, but his two crucial penalty saves helped Liverpool

get to Wembley to play the Capital One Cup finals. He will be looking to build his confidence from here and get his form back. Bogdan’s Liverpool career is almost over and he is not expected to start against West Ham. Danny Ward is available for Liverpool and there are chances that he might get a chance to shine.

Defenders – Jon Flanagan, Steven Caulker, Dejan Lovren, Brad Smith

Jon Flanagan got his first start for Liverpool since his return from injury against Stoke. Nathaniel Clyne was injured and Flanagan was given the responsibility of playing as Liverpool’s right back. The Scouser did well on his return and he will be getting another start against the Hammers. Steven Caulker will be available and he is expected to start for Liverpool against West Ham on Saturday.

Sakho paired with Toure in the recent games for Liverpool and it might be time for Klopp to rest the Frenchman. Dejan Lovren has returned from his injury and we expect him to start ahead of Sakho against the Hammers. Moreno had a very bad game against Norwich last week and though he improved against Stoke he still looks shaky. Brad Smith on the other hand, has looked impressive and he is expected to start against West Ham.

Midfielders – Lucas Leiva, Emre Can, Joe Allen, Adam Lallana, Jordon Ibe

The presence of a defensive midfielder like Lucas Leiva will be important for Liverpool against West Ham. Lucas Leiva is expected to captain the side in the absence of Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Klopp has confirmed that Henderson will be rested against West Ham. Klopp does not want to risk Henderson as he is still having problems with his heel. It is expected that Klopp will be resting few of his first team players and Milner will be one of them. Emre Can has been a boss in the Liverpool midfield though his passing has been rusty at times. He will continue in Liverpool’s midfield. Joe Allen has impressed for Liverpool in January. He scored two goals in all competitions and also played a crucial role in the Capital One Cup semi-finals against Stoke. Joe Allen is in fine form and he will be hoping to continue it. Lallana was Liverpool’s hero against Norwich last week. He had a quiet night against Stoke even though he took his penalty well. Lallana is expected to start on Saturday, but he won’t be playing full-time. Joao Teixeira will be getting a chance as a substitute. Jordon Ibe did not start against Stoke on Tuesday. His form has taken a slight dip and he is in

Joe Allen is in fine form and he will be hoping to continue it. Lallana was Liverpool’s hero against Norwich last week. He had a quiet night against Stoke even though he took his penalty well. Lallana is expected to start on Saturday, but he won’t be playing full-time. Joao Teixeira will be getting a chance as a substitute. Jordon Ibe did not start against Stoke on Tuesday. His form has taken a slight dip and he is in path to find it back. His pace will be key for Liverpool against West Ham.

Striker – Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke’s last start for Liverpool came against Exeter in the third round of FA Cup. Klopp has opted Firmino ahead of Benteke in the recent games. Firmino is in fine form but he looked tired against Stoke. On the other hand, Benteke is trying to get his form back. Benteke’s physicality will be needed for Liverpool against West Ham.